How to watch ZDF live online
ZDF streams live for free on zdf.de and in the ZDF app. ZDF says its 24/7 live streams work only in Germany for rights reasons, but some single programmes stream worldwide.
The live stream and the programmes on demand are free. ZDF is paid for by the German broadcasting fee.
- Country
- Germany
- Run by
- ZDF, a German public broadcaster
- Type
- General
- Language
- German
- Live, in German
- ZDF im Livestream
- Watch live
- ZDF (zdf.de and app)
- Cost at home
- Free (broadcasting fee)
- Abroad
- Partly: some programmes worldwide
- Checked
- 2 November 2026
Can you watch ZDF abroad?
ZDF says: because of the rights situation, its 24/7 live streams can only be offered in Germany.
Some single programmes stream live worldwide: ZDF lists them on its Live TV page under "Auslandsstreams". Many programmes on demand also play abroad; the information under each video shows where.
ZDF Auslandsstreams
Live streams of single programmes that ZDF offers worldwide.
Watch ZDF in the UK, the USA, Canada and more
ZDF in the UK, the USA and Canada
Partly. ZDF Auslandsstreams (worldwide, free). Live streams of single programmes that ZDF offers worldwide.
ZDF in Spain, the Netherlands and Italy
Partly. ZDF Auslandsstreams (worldwide, free). Live streams of single programmes that ZDF offers worldwide. On a short trip from Germany, paid streaming plans keep working under the EU portability rule; free apps do not have to.
Apps for ZDF: TV, phone and laptop
What is ZDF?
ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is one of Germany's two big public broadcasters. It is known for the heute news, Terra X documentaries, crime series and big football matches.
It is paid for by the broadcasting fee.
ZDF: common questions
Is ZDF free to watch online?
Yes, on zdf.de and in the ZDF app.
Can I watch ZDF abroad?
The 24/7 live stream works only in Germany. Some single programmes stream worldwide, listed under "Auslandsstreams".
Why is ZDF blocked abroad?
ZDF says it is the rights situation: many programmes are licensed for Germany only.
Which app do I need to watch ZDF live?
ZDF (Germany; selected programmes worldwide): web, phones, tablets, smart TVs, streaming sticks.
Can I watch ZDF on a smart TV?
Yes. ZDF has an app for smart TVs and streaming sticks (Germany; selected programmes worldwide).
Can I watch ZDF on a Firestick?
Yes. ZDF's own streaming FAQ says the ZDF app supports Fire TV (Fire OS 6 or newer). Abroad, only some programmes work.
Can I watch ZDF in the USA?
Partly. ZDF Auslandsstreams (worldwide, free). Live streams of single programmes that ZDF offers worldwide.
Where the facts come from
We check every fact on the broadcaster's own pages, or on two independent sources that agree.
Last checked: 2 November 2026. Prices and rules change: the official pages always win.
